To Kill a MockingbirdHarper Lee

THE STORY

PART TWO

CHAPTER 21

Atticus has just finished his speech when Calpurnia appears in the courtroom with
a note from Aunt Alexandra. Alexandra has noticed that the children are missing and
has been searching for them all over town. At this point, Atticus realizes that Scout,
Jem, and Dill have been sitting in the balcony watching the whole trial. Instead of being
angry, Atticus gives the children permission to return to the courthouse after dinner
to hear the jury's verdict. The children do come back, but they have a long wait
ahead of them. Jem is elated by this because he knows that it means that the jurors
are struggling with their consciences. He feels sure Tom Robinson will be acquitted.

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But he is wrong. When the jury returns it is almost midnight. They have
found Tom guilty.

As Atticus leaves the courtroom, the black spectators stand up out of respect. He
is a hero to them, because they know that even though he lost the case he fought
as hard as he could.